I agree with a lot of what's been said and I thought I would chime in because I work actively with open source software and even am developing a website called Explore Open Source to help make people aware of other software options like open source and when it is a good solution or option.
I run linux myself and do all my web development on linux and open source software. It's partially because most of it is free, but more so because it works for me, its what I work best in, offers me the most flexibility and can accomplish what I'm trying to accomplish. Open source allows me to alter the code to fit what I need if I so desire because I have the source, hence the name open source. So yes, for me as other people have said, its very much about freedom and flexibility, but its definitely not for every job or everyone.
I agree with Steve and the people who've said that you should use what works for you, but I would definitely be open to all the possibilities. It seems in the graphic design community I see too many designers get caught up in using one piece of software instead of using whatever is best for the job. On my graphic design jobs I often use 5-6 different programs and even both my mac and my linux system to accomplish a project.
As for software companies trying to screw the consumers, it certainly seems that way sometimes, but I can't really say.
The issues I've had with Microsoft's licenses are ridiculous but then I have a bad relationship with Microsoft in general. Some days I'm convinced that Bill Gates writes software purposely to screw with me, lol.
To each their own I guess, can't beat wordpress though, I think its great.
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